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Green Maternity Challenge Showcase marks the end of a transformative 16-week journey

The Green Maternity Challenge 2024 has officially concluded with an online Showcase event, marking the end of an inspiring 16-week journey where NHS teams worked to reduce carbon emissions, enhance patient care, and address health inequalities in maternity services. The event brought together healthcare professionals, sustainability leaders, and lived experience representatives to celebrate the dedication, creativity, and impact of the participating teams.

Over the past four months, nine NHS teams engaged in an intensive yet rewarding process, applying Sustainable Quality Improvement (SusQI) principles to develop innovative solutions for more sustainable maternity care. Reflecting on the journey, Rachel McLean, SusQI Programme Lead for Competition and Specialties, who expertly guided the teams through the challenge, noted: “In less than half the time of a full pregnancy, the maternity teams have made remarkable strides in improving maternity care for women and birthing people, families and staff.  I hope all teams feel incredibly proud, as I do, of their dedication, effort, and resilience to deliver these changes on top of their busy clinical and operational commitments.“

“It is so exciting to share the team projects, outcomes and learning as I know it will inspire many others to undertake SusQI projects within their services, improving outcomes for patients, staff and the planet.”

Rachel McLean, SusQI Programme Lead for Competition and Specialties, the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare

Her leadership was instrumental in keeping teams motivated and focused, ensuring they were well-supported throughout the challenge. Teams have also been supported by Inge Steinbach, Lead Sustainability Analyst at CSH to comprehensively estimate the carbon emission savings associated with their improvement. Despite the demanding nature of the process, participants consistently express how much they valued the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and drive meaningful change in their services. 

Recognising the winning teams 

Winners

The winning team, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was recognised for their innovative approach to improving care for women with hyperemesis, reducing hospital admissions and saving 6,462 kgCO2e annually, equivalent to driving 19,040 miles in an average car. The project has brought significant value to women experiencing hyperemesis and their families.

This project has made a significant difference in the lives of women and their families by providing personalised care, better support, and optimised medication plans. Women, including those with diabetes, can continue their usual treatment seamlessly, reducing disruption to their work, family life, and daily routines. As one woman shared, “Having IV fluids at home has meant I can participate in family life.” The impact extends to their loved ones, with another stating, “My husband is able to go to work, and my son has his mummy back.” Healthcare professionals have also felt the positive change, with one expressing, “We are buzzing with the difference we are able to make for patients now.” Their project provided clear evidence of impact, demonstrating how sustainable changes can directly improve patient experience.  

“This is an area that we don’t manage well in secondary and primary care—we fail these women. This project had good evidence of impact and has set a pathway that can be adapted to many other challenges affecting women and girls worldwide.”

Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)

Highly commended awards

Two teams received highly commended awards: 

NHS Orkney was recognised for their work in bringing hip dysplasia screening closer to home, eliminating the need for long-distance travel and making essential care more accessible for rural families. Emma Crookes, Lived Experience Representative, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and member of the judging panel, praised the team’s approach, highlighting their “tenacity and determination,” and acknowledging that “rural care is often overlooked, but this project made a massive difference.” 

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust was commended for their strategic approach to streamlining antenatal care, which demonstrated strong potential for scalability across the NHS, improving efficiency while cutting emissions. Fiona Gibb, Professional Midwifery Advisor, The Royal College of Midwives (RCM), and member of the judging panel, described it as “a highly strategic project with strong evidence for long-term impact. It has great potential to be implemented across NHS trusts.” 

The impact of the Green Maternity Challenge

The projects presented in the Green Maternity Challenge 2024 collectively contribute to: 

• £860,669 annual cost and efficiency savings 
• 101,263 kgCO2e reduced annually – equivalent to 298,367 miles driven OR Emissions equivalent to 778,978 disposable nappies prevented 

With the challenge now complete, CSH and partners from RCOG and RCM will continue to spread the learning to inspire change across the NHS. You can now watch the showcase videos and detailed case studies can be accessed in the Resource Library to support NHS teams in adopting and scaling sustainable healthcare initiatives. 

The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare extends its heartfelt thanks to all participating teams, the judging panel, and its partners, The Royal College of Midwives (RCM), The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) for making this challenge a success. We also thank SBRI Healthcare, the Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC), and the Health Innovation Network for funding the challenge. 

What’s next?

Join the movement for sustainable and equitable maternity care.

Attend the RCOG Maternity Conference

We invite you to be part of the conversation at the Maternity Conference, hosted by our partner RCOG, where healthcare professionals, leaders, and sustainability experts will come together to drive collective action in delivering low-carbon, equitable maternity care. This event will showcase impactful projects, including the Green Maternity Challenge, and provide practical insights into reducing the environmental impact of maternity services.

Join our Women’s Health Network

To stay informed on the latest case studies, research, and innovations in sustainable women’s health, join the Women’s Health Sustainability Network and connect with like-minded professionals.

Lead sustainable change with our Green Nursing Challenge 2025

CSH is recruiting for the Green Nursing Challenge 2025, empowering nurses to lead low-carbon improvements in healthcare. Participants receive specialist training, mentorship, and tools to implement sustainable solutions while enhancing patient care. Gain skills in SusQI, carbon footprinting, and resource efficiency, connect with like-minded professionals, and be part of a greener future for nursing.